Official publicity photo of the affair.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, crown prince of Abu Dhabi and supreme commander of the United Arab Emirates’ armed forces, received the champions of last April 17th’s Abu Dhabi World Pro Jiu-Jitsu Cup with pomp and circumstance.
At the event which was also the grounds for the student champions, Sheikh Mohammed exalted the practice of Jiu-Jitsu, declaring that under the leadership of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed, the sport will have all the support it needs in the Emirates, with the aim of strengthening the nation in the international arena and internally popularizing noble value, like the appreciation of fair play and respect for one’s opponents.
Sheikh Mohammed expressed his joy at receiving 35 male students and competitors, and 36 female students and competitors, as well as the coaches, teachers and administrators of the project that took the gentle art to 20 thousand adolescents. These are the promising future Jiu-Jitsu talents, said the prince in praise, asking that they carry on with their training so as to represent the Arab Emirates in championships around the world.
Next, His Highness received the locals who conquered 11 medals at the World Pro 2010 (four gold), praising them for their conquests and urging them to further their efforts in the coming championships. The athletes responded by saying they had only made it so far thanks to the support of Sheikh Mohammed, the patron of Jiu-Jitsu in the country since his son and nephew began training.
Also present at the affair were authorities Sheikh Rashid bin Saud Al Mualla (crown prince of Umm Al Quaiwain), Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair (speaker of the federal national council), General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan (prime minister and minister of the interior) and Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, chief of the crown prince’s court.
On his part, Dr Moghair Khamis Al Khaili, director-general of Abu Dhabi’s Education Council, praised the unlimited and continuous support of Sheikh Mohammed for young students who are developing the talent and skills in Jiu-Jitsu.